Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world. Last year alone, nearly forty million people came to see The Land of Smiles. This should make it obvious that there are many places worth going to in the country. A list of the most popular cities to visit in Thailand includes Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya, each offering a unique blend of culture, food, and history.
Whether you hire a car at Khon Kaen airport or grab your rental at your next destination, having your own vehicle in Thailand can improve your trip significantly. This is true for short-term visitors, long-stay business travelers, and expats planning to stay for the long haul. With your hands on the wheel and your schedule in your control, you can make the most of the best cities to see in Thailand!
Bangkok
Bangkok is a gem in the crown of the world. Forty million people visited Thailand last year, and more than thirty-two million of them went to Bangkok. This made it the most visited city in the world in 2024.
Without much effort, it’s easy to see why. It’s a sprawling, energetic city that’s both modern and ancient. Brand-new architecture sits next to preserved temples, blending present and past in a way seen in few places on Earth. Not only that, but Bangkok is also home to a huge variety of incredible food. Some of the best meals in the country are to be had from a vendor cooking on the street.
People also love Bangkok for its shopping. After seeing a temple that is hundreds of years old, you can pop to an air-conditioned mall to peruse your favorite luxury brands. Bangkok truly has something for everyone.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is technically the second-largest city in Thailand, but compared to Bangkok, it can feel like a small town. It differs in temperature, too, as Chiang Mai is also home to the tallest point and the coldest place in Thailand: Doi Inthanon. Nestled in the north, this province has a more temperate climate that attracts visitors year round. You may have seen pictures of Chiang Mai without knowing it, as it is home to a lantern festival that brings together people from across the world!
Phuket
At the other end of the country, Phuket sits in the south of Thailand and is home to the country’s largest island. It’s the smallest province in Thailand and boasts an interesting history as a port for powers across Asia and Europe.
Now, Phuket is famous for its beaches, lush rainforest, and numerous waterfalls. Central Phuket also holds the beautiful Old Town, where the influence of diverse world powers can still be seen in unique Sino-Portuguese architecture. Visitors to Phuket can also see The Great Buddha of Phuket, a statue of Guatama standing forty-five metres (148 feet) tall.
Pattaya
For tourists seeking nightlife outside of Bangkok, Pattaya is often the first choice. At times, it has ranked in the top twenty most-visited cities in the world.
Like many places in Thailand, Pattaya offers travelers access to beautiful temples and beaches, easy snorkeling, and tours of farms or sanctuaries. That said, this town is mostly known for its social life, and there is an endless string of bars and restaurants where tourists can drink the night away talking with locals and other visitors.
One destination of note is The Sanctuary of Truth, a mix between a castle and a temple built using both Buddhist and Hindu cosmology. This ornate building is built exclusively out of wood, and though it has been under construction since 1981, visitors are able to tour inside.
Settling into Thailand
The best place to visit doesn’t necessarily make for the best city to live in Thailand, of course. If you’re thinking of moving to Thailand, check out the cities on this list!
A rental car can make all the difference. Getting to explore a place on your own terms and see all the in-between places you might otherwise miss is one of the only ways to truly get a feel for a new place. Take a look at Drive Car Rental’s list of vehicles today, with options from SUVs to electric cars, and start planning your journey to see the best places in Thailand!